Mayor Yutaka Sano delivers his first message of passion during his third term in office.

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

On Tuesday, February 25, 2020, under clear blue skies, Mayor Yutaka Sano made his first appearance in office for his third term.

First visit to Hokuryu Town Hall

At 8:45 in the morning, Mayor Yutaka Sano alighted from his official car, which was parked in front of the main entrance of the town hall. He was presented with a bouquet of flowers by staff members and entered the town hall as they greeted him with loud applause.

bouquet presentation

Staff greeted with applause

With thanks!

instruction

Mayor Yutaka Sano gave his third term instructions in the council chambers.

I am pleased to address you at the start of my third term.
I was elected for a third term unopposed, thanks to the tremendous support of many town residents and the warm-hearted support of the town staff. I take this heavy responsibility seriously and am determined to do my best.

Historical turning point

In the midst of the great changes in society today, it is a truly difficult question for small towns in rural areas that have only primary industry and agriculture, how to envision their future. And I believe it is an important issue. We are also at a historical turning point in all areas, such as dealing with environmental issues on a global scale, the occurrence of natural disasters that cause tremendous damage, and the new coronavirus.

Developed a 10-year comprehensive plan

This year, the Town of Hokuryu is in the process of formulating a 10-year comprehensive plan through 2028.
In this context, the promotion of administration that integrates agriculture, tourism, commerce, immigration, exchange, health, welfare, and education is required to create a town that utilizes sunflowers. In order to achieve this, it will be necessary to address the aging of public facilities, review existing projects, and promote the participation of residents and cooperative town development, despite the severe financial situation.

A town of health and longevity through the collective creativity and wisdom of the town's residents

Therefore, we would like to make the most of Hokuryu Town's charms, focusing on food, sightseeing, and health, and to make it a town of health and longevity by concentrating the creativity and wisdom of the town's residents through safe and secure agricultural products and the Hokuryu Hot Springs, a recreational facility.

The population of Hokuryu-cho is 1,796 as of February 1. Even though it is a small town, it is necessary to create a town where residents are full of vitality and rich in spirit. We will make every effort to realize this goal.

Hokuryu Town is highly regarded throughout the country.

Hokuryu Town is a town that is highly regarded and attracts attention from all over the country.

Agriculture to produce safe and secure agricultural products

One of them is agriculture that produces safe and secure agricultural products. Hokuryu Town has made a town-wide effort to reduce the use of pesticides on paddy rice, and has acquired the JAS standard for agricultural products for which production information is disclosed. Hokuryu Town is the only town in Japan where a production cooperative has acquired this certification. This has resulted in an astounding amount of donations from hometown taxpayers.

Sunflower Village with New Attractions

The scenery of Sunflower Village has captured the hearts of many people and is now attracting nationwide attention as one of Japan's leading tourist destinations, not only in Japan, but also as a spectacular sightseeing spot in the world. However, more than 30 years have passed since the Sunflower Village was built, and the observatory and tourist center need to be repaired to cope with the aging of the area.

As you know, the peak season for sunflowers is from late July to late August, which is a one-month period. We would like to examine the overall state of the town and make it a village of sunflowers with new attractions that we can be proud of throughout the country, as well as a town that attracts tourists throughout the year.

A town that can contribute to the world in terms of welfare and education.

With sunflowers, with their bright and healthy image, and agriculture, with its rich natural environment, as a foundation, we would like to create a town that can contribute to the world, both in terms of welfare and education.

It is my job as mayor to work for the well-being and peace of mind of the town's residents. I will do my best to create a town in which the citizens play a leading role.

Bringing together the collective wisdom and strength of all staff members

In order to achieve this, I believe that we must work together as a team to bring together the wisdom and strength of all of our employees. I would like to conclude my address on my third term in office by sincerely asking for the continued understanding and cooperation of all of you. I look forward to your continued support and cooperation.

The town of Hokuryu is an agricultural town nurtured by bright, healthy sunflowers and abundant nature,
To the development and brilliance of Mayor Sano's third term, as he aims for a town that shares the happiness and joy of its citizens,
With endless love, gratitude and prayers.

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interpoint (interword separation)㊗️ Mr. Yutaka Sano won uncontested election & appealed for building a town that "shares joy" in his street speech in the Hokuryu Town Mayoral Election.(January 29, 2020)
　

◇ Photography and Editing: Noboru Terauchi Reporting and Writing: Ikuko Terauchi